Quick Answers
The lesser goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch are two similar looking birds found in the western United States. The main differences between them are:
- Range – The lesser goldfinch is found across the southwest and into Mexico, while Lawrence’s goldfinch is limited to a small area of southern California and northern Baja California.
- Size – Lawrence’s goldfinch is slightly larger than the lesser goldfinch.
- Bill Color – Male Lawrence’s goldfinches have a pink bill, while lesser goldfinches have a grey bill.
- Breeding Plumage – Male Lawrence’s goldfinches have a complete black cap, while male lesser goldfinches have a black cap broken by white around the face.
- Song – The songs of the two birds are distinctive, with Lawrence’s goldfinch having a more complex and hurried song.
In summary, the ranges of these two similar looking birds are distinct, and experienced birders can distinguish them based on subtle differences in size, coloration, and vocalizations. Lawrence’s goldfinch has a very limited range and specialized habitat needs compared to the widespread and common lesser goldfinch.
Geographic Range
The lesser goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch have distinct geographic ranges in the southwestern United States:
Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is found across the southwestern United States and Mexico. Its range extends from southern Oregon and California east to western Texas and south to central Mexico.
Within this broad range, the lesser goldfinch occupies open habitats including deserts, brushy hillsides, fields, and suburbs. It is common and widespread across its range.
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
Lawrence’s goldfinch is endemic to a very small area of southern California and northern Baja California. Its entire global range is estimated to be about 27,000 square kilometers.
Specifically, this species is found in valley foothill hardwood habitats, oak savannas, and chaparral areas. It relies on open grasslands with nearby trees and shrubs.
As such, Lawrence’s goldfinch has highly specific habitat requirements and a tiny geographic range, especially when compared to the widespread lesser goldfinch. It is estimated that 99% of the global Lawrence’s goldfinch population breeds in California.
Range Map
This map shows the distinct ranges of these two similar finch species in the southwestern US:
Field Identification
While similar in overall appearance, there are some key physical differences between male lesser goldfinches and Lawrence’s goldfinches. These differences aid in identifying them in the field:
Lesser Goldfinch
- Smaller overall size – Length 4.3-5.1 inches, wingspan 7.5-8.7 inches
- Bill gray in color
- Black cap not completely enclosing face
- Underparts yellow-green
- Distinctive rapid, rattling flight call
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
- Slightly larger – Length 4.7-5.5 inches, wingspan 8.3-9.1 inches
- Bill pinkish in color
- Complete black cap enclosing entire face
- Underparts more greenish-yellow
- Softer, hesitant flight calls
Females of the two species are harder to distinguish visually, as they lack the bold black and yellow plumage patterns. However, the size and bill color differences remain somewhat useful for identification. Juveniles of both species resemble females.
Visual Comparison
This table provides a visual comparison of the plumage differences between male lesser goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch:
Lesser Goldfinch |
Lawrence’s Goldfinch |
Habitat Preferences
The habitats preferred by these species also differ:
Lesser Goldfinch
Can be found in a variety of open habitats including:
- Deserts
- Chaparral
- Brushy foothills
- Fields
- Backyards
Eats seeds from a wide variety of plants, as well as buds, leaves, and insects. Less specialized in habits than Lawrence’s goldfinch.
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
Restricted to specific valley foothill habitats:
- Oak savannas
- Open oak woodlands
- Chaparral with interspersed grasslands
Dependent on flowering plants of the genus Eriogonum for food during breeding season. More habitat specialized.
Typical Habitats
Photos of typical habitats for each species:
Lesser Goldfinch |
Lawrence’s Goldfinch |
Diet and Feeding
These two species have some differences in their diets:
Lesser Goldfinch
- Feeds on seeds of composite plants like thistles and sunflowers
- Also eats buds, leaves, and small insects
- Not dependent on any single food source
- Forages mainly in trees and shrubs, but also on ground
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
- Relies heavily on seeds of Eriogonum plants during breeding season
- Also eats buds, leaves, and some insects
- Strong association with Eriogonum, especially E. fasciculatum
- Forages on seeds mainly while perched on shrubs and trees
So in summary, the lesser is a more generalist feeder while Lawrence’s relies more heavily on certain plants.
Foraging Behaviors
Lesser Goldfinch foraging on thistle |
Lawrence’s Goldfinch feeding on Eriogonum |
Breeding and Nesting
There are some subtle differences in the breeding behaviors of these two goldfinch species:
Lesser Goldfinch
- Nesting season lasts from March to September
- Open-cup nest built in trees or shrubs
- Lays 3-6 eggs per clutch
- Will have 2-3 broods per year
- Mainly the female incubates eggs and cares for young
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
- Nesting season is April to July
- Nest often placed near tops of trees
- Lays 3-5 eggs per clutch
- Has 1 brood per year
- Male helps feed incubating female
So the lesser has a longer breeding season, more nesting attempts, but less male parental care when compared to the Lawrence’s goldfinch.
Nest Comparison
Lesser goldfinch nest |
Lawrence’s goldfinch nest |
Conservation Status
These two similar species have very different conservation statuses:
Lesser Goldfinch
- Populations are stable and widespread
- Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN
- Total population estimated at 7.5 million birds
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
- Restricted range makes it vulnerable
- Classified as Near Threatened by IUCN
- Total population estimated at just 20,000 birds
So while the common lesser goldfinch is secure, habitat loss poses a major threat to the rare Lawrence’s goldfinch. Conservation efforts are needed to protect remaining oak savanna habitats.
Population Comparison
Lesser Goldfinch
7.5 million total population Least Concern |
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
20,000 total population Near Threatened |
Conclusion
In summary, while the lesser goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch appear similar, they have a number of key differences:
- The lesser goldfinch has a far wider geographic range, while the Lawrence’s is endemic to a small region of California.
- Lawrence’s is slightly larger in size than the lesser.
- Male Lawrence’s goldfinches have a distinctive pink bill and solid black cap that distinguish them from lesser goldfinches.
- Lawrence’s goldfinch is more habitat specialized, relying on certain oak savannas.
- The common lesser goldfinch is stable, while habitat loss makes Lawrence’s goldfinch near-threatened.
Careful observation of size, bill color, plumage patterns, habitat, and vocalizations enables identification of these two similar golden-colored finches. Conservation efforts for the rare Lawrence’s goldfinch are needed to protect remaining populations in California.